Microwave Poached Chicken with Savory Vegetable Medley
Experience the delightful flavors of tender poached chicken paired with a vibrant mix of sautéed vegetables. This easy-to-make one-dish meal features chicken breasts nestled atop a savory blend of leeks, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts, all enhanced with aromatic garlic and Italian dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be prepared quickly in the microwave, making it a convenient and delicious option for a satisfying dinner. Serve it with a flavorful sauce created by thickening the vegetable broth for an irresistible finishing touch.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 (tablespoon, melted)
Italian dressing
2 (tablespoons (preferably Kraft's Tuscan House Italian))
leek
1 (small, sliced (fan layers under cold running water to wash away sand))
mushrooms
2 (ounces, cut in half)
frozen artichoke hearts
4.5 (ounces, thawed)
garlic
1 (clove, minced)
chicken broth
0.5 (cup)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (whole)
cornstarch
1.5 (teaspoons)
cold water
1 (tablespoon)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a 9x9-inch casserole dish, combine the melted butter and Italian dressing.
2
Add the sliced leeks, halved mushrooms, thawed artichoke hearts, and minced garlic, stirring to mix well.
3
Cover the dish and microwave on High for 3 minutes, stopping halfway to stir. The vegetables should be softened.
4
Pour the chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, mixing to combine. Arrange the chicken breasts on top, placing the thicker ends toward the edges of the dish.
5
Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
6
Cover the dish again and microwave on High for 5-6 minutes. Carefully turn the chicken over halfway through the cooking time.
7
To check for doneness, poke the chicken with a fork; it is ready when the juices run clear.
8
Once done, use a slotted spatula to transfer the chicken to a warmed serving platter, covering it to keep warm while making the sauce.
9
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water. Add this mixture to the baking dish with the vegetables.
10
Stir well to combine, then microwave on High for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
11
Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
12
To serve, spoon the savory vegetable medley and sauce generously over the poached chicken.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microwave Poached Chicken with Savory Vegetable Medley?
It is a one-dish meal featuring tender poached chicken breasts served over a mix of leeks, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts in a thickened sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 9x9-inch casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the leeks for this dish?
The leeks should be sliced and then fanned under cold running water to wash away any trapped sand.
What type of Italian dressing is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Kraft's Tuscan House Italian dressing.
How long should I microwave the vegetables initially?
Microwave the vegetable mixture on High for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
What mushrooms are used in the vegetable medley?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of mushrooms, cut in half.
Should the artichoke hearts be frozen when added to the dish?
No, the 4.5 ounces of frozen artichoke hearts should be thawed before use.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 1 clove of minced garlic.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 0.5 cup of chicken broth.
How should the chicken breasts be placed in the dish?
Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables with the thicker ends toward the edges of the dish.
What is the microwave cooking time for the chicken?
Cook the chicken on High for 5-6 minutes, turning it over halfway through.
How can I tell if the poached chicken is done?
Poke the chicken with a fork; it is ready when the juices run clear.
How do I keep the chicken warm while preparing the sauce?
Transfer the chicken to a warmed serving platter and cover it.
What is used to thicken the sauce?
A slurry made of 1.5 teaspoons of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water is used to thicken the sauce.
How long does the sauce take to thicken in the microwave?
The sauce should be microwaved on High for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding the cornstarch mixture.
Can I use butter in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of melted butter combined with the Italian dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights as it is prepared quickly in the microwave.
What seasonings are added to the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
Is the dish covered during microwaving?
Yes, the dish should be covered during both the initial vegetable cooking and the chicken cooking steps.
What is the purpose of the Italian dressing?
It provides a base of aromatic flavors and acidity to enhance the chicken and vegetables.
Do I need to stir the vegetables during the first microwave step?
Yes, you should stop halfway through the 3 minutes to stir the vegetables.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are used for this poaching method.
Should I use hot or cold water for the cornstarch?
You must use cold water to dissolve the cornstarch to prevent clumping.
When do I add the final salt and pepper?
Additional salt and pepper can be added to the sauce after it has thickened, just before serving.
What tool is best for moving the chicken?
A slotted spatula is recommended for transferring the chicken.
How is the dish served?
Spoon the savory vegetable medley and the thickened sauce generously over the poached chicken.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it combines protein and vegetables in a single casserole dish.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
Nutritional details like fiber, calories, and fat are not specified in the provided recipe data.
What is the main cooking method used?
The primary cooking method for this dish is microwaving.